(CNN) - Under attack by the Republican Party in his home state, Sen. John McCain is getting some support from someone beloved by conservatives – his former running mate, Sarah Palin.

"I consider Senator John McCain an American hero and a friend. He fights to remind our President that the federal government's first priority must be strong defense of our homeland," wrote Palin Monday night on her Facebook page, adding that "he fights against big-spending colleagues who don't prioritize for our military's needs."

(CNN) – The New Jersey General Assembly, which is investigating the George Washington Bridge controversy, on Wednesday named the same prosecutor that went after former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich as its own special counsel for a committee that will lead the bridge probe.

Assembly Democrats announced former Assistant U.S. Attorney Reid Schar will help the Assembly Investigatory Committee as it further reviews the closure of access lanes to the nation's busiest bridge for four days last fall in an alleged act of political retribution by top aides to Gov. Chris Christie.FULL POST

Washington (CNN) – The Democratic National Committee, which has been blasting New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie for weeks over the bridge scandal, is releasing a new web video Friday, accusing him for creating a vitriolic culture among his staff.

"Chris Christie fired a top staffer citing his 'callous' tone. Christie argued that this was not reflective of the culture he's created in his office. But, over the last four years this 'callous indifference' is exactly the tone we have seen over and over again from Christie," said Michael Czin, press secretary for the DNC.FULL POST

Washington (CNN) – As President Obama and Democrats try to salvage the reputation of the Affordable Care Act, a national Republican group will hit 12 Democrats–all running in Senate elections next year–over changes to Medicare.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee will highlight Wednesday the candidates' support for the federal health care law, better known as Obamacare, and what Republicans call $717 billion in cuts to the popular entitlement program that guarantees health insurance to seniors.FULL POST

Washington (CNN) - A Democratic group normally known for doing opposition research on Republicans is adding a new project to its workload, by stepping in to defend potential 2016 Democratic presidential contenders.

As part of its "Correct the Record" campaign, American Bridge is putting out positive messages for Democrats for the first time–rather than just negative ones about Republicans–as none of the potential candidates has a campaign apparatus to do the work.FULL POST

(CNN) - As the debate between Elizabeth Colbert Busch and former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford got under way Monday, there was an elephant in the room: Would Colbert Busch mention Sanford’s infamous extramarital affair?

About halfway into the showdown, the Democratic candidate vying to represent the state’s 1st Congressional District took a swipe at the Republican and his secret 2009 trip to see his mistress in Argentina.FULL POST

(CNN) – Republican Mark Sanford's bruised campaign is fighting to bounce back in the South Carolina special congressional race after having a few rough days last week.

The campaign released a new television ad Tuesday attacking Democratic opponent Elizabeth Colbert Busch for accepting contributions from labor unions. The six-figure spot will run on broadcast and cable in the Savannah and Charleston markets, according to the campaign.FULL POST

(CNN) – With the GOP actively working to reshape its image, it didn't take long for top Republicans to blast one of their own, Rep. Don Young, for using the derogatory term "wetbacks" in describing migrant workers from Mexico.

The longtime congressman from Alaska attempted to explain why he used the ethnic slur, but he's nevertheless seeing little mercy from some of the biggest voices in the GOP.FULL POST